Automatic loading of sample tubes for clinical analyzer

Abstract

A module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples contained in the sample tubes for an automated clinical analyzer. In one embodiment, this module comprises a mixing drum, which is capable of mixing the contents of a sample tube in an end-over-end manner. The mixing drum is capable of mixing samples in the sample tubes without separating the solid components of the sample, e.g., red blood cells from the liquid components of the sample, e.g., plasma. A device for elevating the sample tube in the sample tube carrier can be used to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in a piercing assembly. After the cap of the sample tube is punctured, a probe for aspirating the sample from said sample tube can obtain the sample in the receptacle of the sample tube through a bore in the piercing element. The piercing assembly can include a resiliently biased element for ejecting the sample tube from the piercing assembly.

1. A system for providing samples in sample tubes to an automated clinical analyzer, each of said sample tubes comprising a receptacle and a cap, said automated clinical analyzer having a probe for aspirating samples from sample tubes, said system comprising a module for staging sample tubes and mixing samples in the sample tubes, said module for staging sample tubes and mixing samples in the sample tubes comprising:
 (a) a track along which sample tubes are carried in sample tube carriers; 
 (b) a drive wheel powered by a motor to move said sample carriers along said track; and 
 (c) a mixing drum positioned on said track, said mixing drum having a central axis, a first opening perpendicular to said central axis, and a second opening perpendicular to said central axis, wherein a sample tube carrier can enter said first opening and emerge from said second opening, said mixing drum capable of rotating about its central axis to rotate said sample tubes end-over-end to mix said samples. 
 
     
     
       2. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a piercing assembly positioned on said track. 
     
     
       3. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the piercing assembly further comprises a centering cone. 
     
     
       4. The system of  claim 2 , wherein the piercing element is resiliently biased. 
     
     
       5. The system of  claim 2 , further comprising a device for elevating a sample tube to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in the piercing assembly. 
     
     
       6. The system of  claim 5 , wherein the device for elevating a sample tube to enable the cap of the sample tube to be punctured by a piercing element in the piercing assembly comprises a piston and an air cylinder. 
     
     
       7. The system of  claim 5 , wherein a probe for aspirating said sample from said sample tube can access the sample in the receptacle of the sample tube through a bore in the piercing element. 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the mixing drum is capable of holding a plurality of sample tube carriers. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 1 , wherein the module for staging sample tubes and mixing samples in the sample tubes further comprises at least one device for reading information from the sample tubes. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one device is a barcode reader. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 9 , wherein said at least one device is a radio frequency identification tag reader. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a module for selecting sample tubes from the racks for holding the sample tubes and placing the sample tubes onto the module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples in the sample tubes. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein said module for selecting sample tubes from the racks for holding the sample tubes and placing the sample tubes onto the module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples in the sample tubes comprises at least one tray for holding at least one rack for holding sample tubes. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 12 , wherein said module for selecting sample tubes from the racks for holding the sample tubes and placing the sample tubes onto the module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples in the sample tubes comprises a device for elevating a sample tube and transferring said elevated sample tube to said module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples in the sample tubes. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 14 , wherein said device for elevating a sample tube and transferring said elevated sample tube to said module for staging sample tubes and mixing the samples in the sample tubes comprises a sample tube receiver and a sample tube lifter. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 15 , wherein said sample tube receiver comprises a flexible, inflatable bladder. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 16 , wherein said sample tube receiver is capable of moving in a horizontal direction along a lead screw. 
     
     
       18. The system of  claim 15 , wherein said sample tube lifter comprises a piston. 
     
     
       19. The system of  claim 18 , wherein said sample tube lifter is capable of moving in a horizontal direction along a lead screw.